DPR Prevents Digital Media Controlled by Foreign Country

Jakarta, InfoPublik – Indonesian House of Representative’s Legislative Body (Baleg) deputy chairman Firman Soebagyo stated that technological development is unstoppable. The convertion from analog to digital systemis a necessity that provides a wide range of positive effects.

According Soebagyo, digitization is an inevitability if viewed from various aspects, especially in contributing to the non-tax revenue. The figure reaches Rp 5 trillion per year. "Digitization is a necessity. However, we also remind the government not to carry the transition in a rush," said Firman at the DPR building, Jakarta, Thursday (4/6).

He added that the government shoud not make a precipitate transition from analog to digital systems because the transition should also consider national business operators’ ability and community readiness. "This transition is capital-intensive and technology-intensive. Therefore, we expect this not to be foreign investment domain," said Firman.

Furthermore Firman explained that restrictions on foreign investment in the media business will be incorporated into the Broadcasting bill.

According to him, it is necessary for national business operators to continue to dominate the broadcasting business in the countyr. " If we limit foreign investment, I think there will be no implications, " he explained.

Previously, Firman added, Commission I proposed that foreign investment is allowed only 0 percent. However, Baleg proposed restrictions on foreign investment up to 20 percent. (Translator: Wilda Stiana)